A new bridge over the Fitzroy River in Queensland has officially opened, as part of the $367.2 million Rookwood Weir project.
The $12.5 million structure at Riverslea is the third road upgrade delivered for the project.
It replaces a crossing at the current location, which would be inundated when the Rookwood Weir reaches full water supply.
The single-lane bridge is 18 metres high and 260 metres long and consists of 16 girders each weighing 80 tonnes. The works also included the construction of 300 metres of new road connecting the approaches to the bridge, as well as passing bays at both ends.
Deputy Prime Minister and Infrastructure, Transport and Regional Development Minister Michael McCormack said the Rookwood Weir project is supporting employment and economic development opportunities and will significantly increase water security for Central Queensland.
Related stories:
- In-river construction starts for Rookwood Weir
- Contractors selected for $352M Rookwood Weir
- Rookwood Weir bridge project creates jobs
“The Rookwood Weir is a great example of the Australian Government delivering the water infrastructure that will form the National Water Grid, our $3.5 billion investment to secure Australia’s water future,” he said.
Queensland Deputy Premier and State Development, Infrastructure, Local Government and Planning Minister Steven Miles today officially opened the new bridge and handed its ownership over to Rockhampton Regional Council.
“The completion of the bridge is yet another milestone for a project that is supporting 200 jobs for Queenslanders – 140 of which are going to local workers,” Miles said.
“Rookwood Weir is transformational water infrastructure that will underpin agricultural growth and supply industrial and urban water in Central Queensland.
Queensland Water, Regional Development and Manufacturing Minister Glenn Butcher said Rookwood Weir was a project for Central Queensland.
“The 86,000 megalitres of water from the weir will give farmers greater opportunity to expand their businesses and put on more workers,” Butcher said.
“It will also provide access to high priority water for the Rockhampton, Yeppoon and Gladstone communities.”
Federal Member for Capricornia Michelle Landry said it is great to see work continue to ramp-up at the Rookwood Weir site with benefits flowing to the local community.
“The new accommodation camp, which houses up to 250 Rookwood Weir staff, is now fully operational, providing economic opportunities for local workers, such as cleaners and hospitality workers,” Landry said.
The first water from Rookwood Weir will be available in 2023.